Carbon Chapter of PASR honors stand-outs in local education

Friday, October 14, 2011

Carbon Chapter of PASR President Marjorie Balliet (left) introduced guest speaker Dr. Louis Sportelli (right) during the recent fall general membership meeting of the organization, which was held at Mahoning Valley Country Club. Dr. Sportelli's address was entitled "Times Are Changing."

By MIKE A. HEERY TN Correspondent tneditor@tnonline.com

During the recent fall general membership meeting of Carbon Chapter of PASR (Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees), five Carbon County teachers received educational support grants. The dinner meeting was held at Mahoning Valley Country Club.

Educational Support Committee Chair Jill DeLong presented Jim Thorpe Area School District teachers Jodi Damian and Deborah Enterline with their grant to help fund the new behavior reinforcement program. Cory Hartsell of Lehighton Area School District will use his grant to purchase a flip video camera for a class that is taught entirely with technology.

Palmerton Area School District teacher Stacey Olewine will buy a classroom set of novels for literature circles. In order to set individual goals for each student, Bobbi Sisock of Panther Valley School District will obtain pedometers for her health and physical education classes.

Recognized for their service and commitment to quality education, Elizabeth Schlecht and Hal Resh of Carbon Career & Technical Institute received the prestigious PASR Lauretta Woodson Award. Dr. Woodson was a long-time English teacher in Eddystone School District and later an instructor and assistant professor at Temple University. After retiring in 1984, Dr. Woodson joined PASR and rose through the ranks of the organization, playing an instrumental role in helping PASR to become what it is today. Upon her passing, she bequeathed a sum of money to PASR to be used for support of public education. The purpose of the Lauretta Woodson Recognition Program is to honor one teacher and one support professional for doing an outstanding job within a district or school.

Member Charles Uhler was honored as Carbon Chapter of PASR Volunteer of the Year for his numerous hours of service to the community. Community Service Chair Janet Hall pointed out how Uhler uses his classroom skills and knowledge "to bring the world of dinosaurs to life, smash stereotypes of the Madagascar cockroach, and shed myths about snakes for both young and old alike" at the Discovery Center at DaVinci Science Center in Allentown. Hall added, "Charles is a busy fellow, as he helps to coach Booster Club wrestling, shares his musical talents with Lehighton Band, and is an active member in his church."

Carbon Chapter of PASR President Marjorie Balliet, said, "We are very happy and honored to be able to present these awards on behalf of our members."

Balliet introduced guest speaker Dr. Louis Sportelli, whose address was entitled "Times Are Changing." Dr. Sportelli, who has been in private practice as a chiropractor in the Palmerton area for the past 48 years, is a well-respected author, lecturer, and leader in his profession. He has lectured extensively on the subject of risk management and communication.

According to Dr. Sportelli, "We are more connected through technology than we are as human beings. We need to make more of an effort to connect on a personal level." He added, "Times are changing."

Carbon Chapter of PASR is comprised of 278 retired members who were employed at one of five school districts in Carbon County – Jim Thorpe Area, Lehighton Area, Palmerton Area, Panther Valley, and Weatherly Area – as well as Carbon Career & Technical Institute and Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21. Members may also be Carbon County residents who were employed by public school districts outside of the county.